Sweep daily
Mop weekly
35-55% humidity
No wet mopping or steam cleaning
Maintenance Schedule
How Often Should You Clean?
Follow this simple schedule to keep your floors in pristine condition and maximize the life of your finish.
Daily
- Sweep or dust mop to remove dirt and debris
- Wipe up spills immediately with a dry cloth
- Use entrance mats to trap dirt at doorways
Weekly
- Vacuum with hard floor attachment (no beater bar)
- Damp mop with hardwood-specific cleaner
- Check for scratches or damage and address promptly
Monthly
- Deep clean with pH-neutral hardwood cleaner
- Inspect and replace worn furniture pads
- Check humidity levels and adjust as needed
Annually
- Professional inspection and maintenance
- Consider buff and recoat if finish shows wear
- Evaluate if full refinishing is needed

The Right Way to Clean
Most hardwood floor damage comes from improper cleaning. Follow these expert techniques to keep your floors beautiful without causing harm.
Dust First
Use a microfiber dust mop or vacuum with a hard floor attachment to remove loose dirt and grit before wet cleaning.
Spray & Mop
Lightly mist a section of floor with hardwood cleaner, then mop with a damp (not wet) microfiber pad.
Dry Thoroughly
Go over the area with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Never leave standing water.
BEST PRACTICES
Do's and Don'ts
Simple habits that protect your investment and common mistakes to avoid.
Do This
Use Felt Pads
Apply felt pads to all furniture legs and replace them regularly as they wear down.
Maintain Humidity
Keep indoor humidity between 35-55% to prevent wood from expanding, contracting, or cracking.
Use Proper Cleaners
Only use cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid all-purpose cleaners.
Lift Furniture
Always lift furniture when moving it—never drag, as this causes deep scratches.
Trim Pet Nails
Keep pet nails trimmed to minimize scratches from daily activity.
Use Area Rugs
Place rugs in high-traffic areas and under rolling chairs to protect the finish.
Clean Spills Immediately
Blot liquids immediately with a dry cloth. Standing water can damage wood and finish.
Control Sunlight
Use curtains or blinds to minimize UV exposure, which can fade and discolor wood.
Avoid This
Wet Mop
Never use a soaking wet mop. Excess water seeps between boards and damages the wood.
Use Vinegar or Ammonia
These common household cleaners are too acidic and will dull and damage the finish over time.
Steam Clean
Steam mops force moisture into the wood and can cause warping, cupping, and finish failure.
Use Wax on Polyurethane
Wax creates a sticky residue on poly finishes that attracts dirt and prevents proper recoating.
Walk in High Heels
Stiletto heels exert enormous pressure per square inch and will dent even the hardest wood.
Ignore Scratches
Small scratches can grow larger. Address them early to prevent deeper damage.
Use Beater Bar Vacuums
Rotating brush attachments can scratch and dull the finish. Use hard floor settings only.
Skip Entrance Mats
Dirt and grit tracked in from outside act like sandpaper, wearing down the finish quickly.

Prevent Damage Before It Happens
The best way to maintain beautiful floors is to prevent damage in the first place. These simple protective measures will extend the life of your hardwood significantly.
Humidity Control
Maintain 35-55% relative humidity year-round. Use a humidifier in winter and dehumidifier in summer.
Wood naturally expands and contracts with humidity changes. Extreme variations cause gaps, cupping, and cracking.UV Protection
Use curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window film to protect floors from sun damage.
Direct sunlight causes wood to fade and discolor over time. Rotate rugs and furniture periodically to ensure even aging.Temperature Stability
Maintain consistent indoor temperatures between 60-80°F for optimal floor performance.
Avoid turning off heat/AC for extended periods, as rapid temperature changes stress the wood.
Floor Care Products
Professional-grade cleaning and maintenance products available for purchase. We use and recommend these products for all our clients.
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which products are right for your floors? Our team can recommend the perfect care regimen based on your floor type and finish.
Know the Signs
When to Refinish Your Floors
Even with perfect care, all hardwood floors eventually need refinishing. Here's how to know when it's time.
Gray or black discoloration
Water damage has penetrated the finish. Refinishing needed soon.
Large scratches exposing bare wood
Unprotected wood is vulnerable to moisture and further damage.
Finish worn through in traffic areas
Consider a screen and recoat to restore protection.
Floor looks dull after cleaning
The finish may be worn. A buff and recoat may be sufficient.
Minor surface scratches
Often addressed with touch-up products or a light screen and recoat.
Need Professional Help?
Our team offers professional maintenance, refinishing, and repair services to keep your floors looking their best.







